Judge dismisses slander suit in sex-abuse case

KALAMAZOO -- A slander suit filed against a woman who recently won a $3.7 million jury verdict has been dismissed.

Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Gary Giguere Jr. on Monday signed an order dismissing the lawsuit filed by Michael S. Albanese against Jessica L. Liebendorfer. "The court finds (Albanese) failed to meet the burden of proof (preponderance of the evidence),'' the judge wrote in his opinion.

The counter claim was filed after Liebendorfer sued Albanese, 46, for sexual assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A jury this month awarded Liebendorfer, 23, almost $3.7 million for past and future pain and suffering.

Liebendorfer testified Albanese sexually abused her for more than half of her life. Albanese denied the allegations, although he admitted having a sexual relationship with Liebendorfer after she turned 18.

Frederick J. Taylor III, Albanese's attorney, could not be reached for comment on Giguere's dismissal of the slander suit.

"I had hoped and expected that would be the result,'' Steven H. Weston, one of Liebendorfer's attorneys, said of the judge's order. "It's good news and welcome.''

The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's office is reviewing complaints by Liebendorfer and another woman against Albanese for potential criminal charges, said Carrie Klein, chief assistant prosecuting attorney for Kalamazoo County.